Core development strategy agreed

Kevin Snow19th October 2011

At a special Council meeting on the 17 October, we adopted our Local Development Framework: Core Strategy.

The plan sets out how much housing development should take place in the district. A 10% reduction of the target set out in the East of England Plan was approved by the Independent Planning Inspector back in September in order to prevent any significant incursion into the Green Belt. Our annual target for housing is now 180 dwellings per year (previously 200).

The plan also includes our requirement that an element of affordable housing is provided as part of all new housing development in the district - our target of 45% is one of the highest in the country.

The green credentials of the Strategy are also clearly spelled out in the plan, particularly in relation to innovative policies on reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy.

Commenting on the plan, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Councillor Martin Trevett, said:

"Adoption of the Core Strategy is excellent news for Three Rivers. It supports the Council’s vision for the district to remain a prosperous, safe and healthy place where people want and are able to live and work. It also provides an up-to-date and robust framework for dealing with planning applications in future.

"This is especially important now that the Government is proposing to reform the national planning system to make it easier for development to be approved if there is no up-to-date plan in place".

He added:

"I am delighted that Three Rivers District Council is the first Council in Hertfordshire to adopt its Core Strategy. This is a significant achievement and we join the top 30% of authorities across the country who have adopted their plans".

We are committed to protecting the Green Belt for future generations. The plan includes no major incursion into the Green Belt.